Dan

Do you have a Barnabas in your life?  You probably know that Barnabas means "son of encouragement".  Do you have someone who encourages you?  I sure hope so, because there are probably multiple people in your life who seek to do the opposite.  Well meaning people who will try to save you from failure, often who squash dreams without even knowing it. In the last few years, I have had a strong pull and desire to start a house church network in the city I live in.  There are multiple things that need to come together for this to happen, but I am pulled and drawn and compelled by this vision.  … [Read more...] about The Desperate Need for a Barnabas

I saw an article listed by Trevin Wax (to be fair, I didn't read it) called "How to Preach with Unbelievers In Mind." When I read the title, my first thought is, should we? Should we preach a message to speak to unbelievers? I think many would say "yes, of course. Those unbelievers need an opportunity to hear the gospel". I want to take a moment and press the other side, just for a second and let us discuss. Should we focus the time we call a worship service to cater to lost people? Should that be the focus of our worship service, or do we want to focus on worshiping God. Now, I understand … [Read more...] about Should We Preach for Unbelievers?

I love evangelism.  I love to teach it, write about it and be up to my neck in it.  I have tried different methods, learned and used tools, even wrote a book about it.  I love evangelism, but with it comes a danger that sometimes I forget that no one else needs Jesus as much as I do.  I am a dirty, wretched sinner and I can't do anything to save myself and I must have Jesus to lift me out of the pit of despair, I need Jesus. I work with great guys, but many of them had to overcome some major troubles.  I work with guys who have suffered from addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, … [Read more...] about Why I Need Jesus

I have heard lots and lots of churches say that church is more than just Sunday morning.  I have said it, others have said it, it's been blogged, tweeted, facebooked, preached, and taught.  We agree, church is more than just Sunday morning worship service, right?  So why do we do everything on Sunday Morning during the worship service? Let's take Rick Warren's five purposes, it's a pretty established and a good place to start.  If we say that we exist to fellowship, worship, evangelize, disciple and do ministry, we should be doing those things in every day life, together as the church.  We … [Read more...] about All The Eggs, One Basket

I have been reading a book about a group in Evangelical Christianity, and the author points out the failures of many of the pastors and leaders, and explains how they are disqualified for ministry because of their indiscretions.  While reading this book, I saw the post from Driscoll and some of his past actions.  These things together have me thinking about how we disqualify pastors.  We look to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 as our guide, but I wonder if we really take it that seriously, or more camp on the things we think are heinous in our own eyes. In the book I'm reading, the sins that are committed … [Read more...] about The Disqualifier

I am grieved when I watch these preachers on tv who take advantage of people who are searching for help. Jesus called them sheep without a shepherd. May have looked like this. There was once a small flock of sheep who decided they needed a shepherd.  They began to look for a shepherd and in the search they met one they all liked.  He was big and strong and seemed to have everything they wanted.  He seemed like he knew a lot about helping sheep and seemed to care for their well being a great deal.  They decided to make this shepherd their care taker.  Things were going great, the flock was … [Read more...] about How to Eat Sheep

If there is one issue that seems to cause tension between older and younger leaders, it's the issue or respect (or sometimes lack there of).  It causes issues between teens and adults, older and younger youth, pastors and congregations, husbands and wives.  Respect causes issues.  Should we expect and demand respect?  Should I be respected by my peers, by my kids, by my readers and by others? I worked for many years as a Substitute teacher while I served as a youth pastor and one class was rude to the previous substitute.  They had to write an essay on respect, what it is and when to show … [Read more...] about Should We Expect Respect

My brother and sister, the dead horse has been beaten beyond recognition. Every day I see on blogs and twitter and posts fight and arguments about Calvinism and Traditionalism. I think the scripture points out where we are today in Titus. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Titus 3:9 Friends, we are there. This conversation has become without value. Most of what I see has become hostile on both sides. There have been words used like "evil" or "heresy" or "satanic". Both sides have declared that … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Let the Dead Horse Lie. Let Calvinism Go.

I have been in vocational ministry most of my "career", but I am not currently.  I have served on staff in 4 churches, worked for an Association, served as a NAMB appointed missionary twice, have a degree from Golden Gate, and lately I am wondering if I'll ever be back in vocational ministry.  The abrupt exit from my last experience has done some significant damage, and my wife is not real excited about me putting my head back on the chopping block so to speak.  I have some scars and wounds, but I sometimes. . . . often look at SBC job boards.  I feel called, I can't help it, I long to serve … [Read more...] about Will Preach for Food

Let's face it, the sexuality and sexual sin in this country is out of control.  The sexual sin in the church is rampant.  The sexual issues faced by pastors, leaders, missionaries and men in general is a problem.  Lots and lots and lots of men are addicted to pornography, including pastors.  Lots of men struggle with temptation and many are losing the fight.  We are bombarded, it's on tv, billboards, magazines, ads and signs.  You can't even walk down the street anymore without seeing more than you need to see.  Don't even try to go to the mall these days.  I was a substitute teacher for 6 … [Read more...] about Let’s Be Honest about Sexual Temptation